Title chances gone?

Norris grumbles: “Stupid rule” helped Verstappen

Lando Norris (left) grumbles after Max Verstappen's victory.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

There goes Lando Norris' title chances! While his world championship rival Max Verstappen flew from 17th place to victory in Brazil, the McLaren man only finished sixth. From his point of view, however, the Red Bull star benefited from a "stupid rule".

The course of the race in Interlagos played into Max Verstappen's hands. After a crash involving Williams driver Franco Colapinto, he was able to change tires without losing time thanks to an unexpected red flag. "Max Verstappen benefited from a stupid rule that nobody wants. I don't think we did anything wrong, I don't care what people say about it," said an annoyed Norris.

"Actually, all the drivers want it to be abolished."
 And the Briton added: "The others were wrong to stay out so long, they were just speculating and it paid off for them. The rule with the free tire change is only good for those who benefit from it. Actually, all the drivers want it to be abolished."

Here is the championship standings:

Norris under pressure
Three races and one sprint before the end of the season, Norris is now doomed to win. In Las Vegas, the 24-year-old must make up at least three points on Verstappen, otherwise the 27-year-old Dutchman from the Austro racing team will be crowned world champion early. Ideally, a total of 86 points are still up for grabs.